Asbestos

Asbestos is a material used in buildings
since the late 1800’s. We now know it poses a serious health risk and is considered
to be a hazardous air pollutant. This site will guild you through important safety
information regarding the proper removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos.

Asbestos Brochure - learn more about asbestos in your home and at work. Demolition and Renovation

Asbestos is a general name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals found
throughout the world. The asbestos mineral is composed of bundles of fibers that
are very durable, heat resistant and noise absorbing. In 1971, after years of studying
the health effects of workers who made or installed asbestos products, the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) declared asbestos unsafe and listed
it as a hazardous air pollutant.

Asbestos
products have proven to be superior over other materials as long as it remained
intact. However, if asbestos becomes air-borne and an individual inhales it, severe
health problems can result. Since the 1970’s, there have been strict US EPA rules
regulating the removal and disposal of asbestos materials. The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in effect to protect employees
working with or around asbestos. In 1995, OSHA issued revised regulations for asbestos
with stricter requirements.

Asbestos NESHAP Notification and Permit Requirements

The Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection is responsible for enforcing
the NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulations
(40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M) within Forsyth County as stated in Rule 3D.1110 and
Rule 3Q .0101 of the Forsyth County Air Quality Technical Code (FCAQTC).

This website is provided to assist asbestos contractors in meeting their obligation
to comply with the asbestos NESHAP regulations. Failure to comply with these federal
regulations can result in substantial penalties - up to $25,000 per day per violation.

Demolition

At least ten (10) working days prior to the demolition start date, an Application/Notification Form must be submitted to the Environmental
Affairs Department. This form is required if the structure contains NO ASBESTOS
MATERIAL or any amount of asbestos materials. A copy of the Asbestos Survey performed
by an Inspector accredited by the State of N.C. is to be included with the Application/
Notification Form. After review of the application and inspection of the facility,
a permit to demolish the structure will be issued. The permit must be obtained BEFORE
beginning any demolition activities.

Renovation

At least ten (10) working days prior to commencing any renovation operations, an
Application/Notification Form
must be submitted to the Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection. After
review of the application and a determination that the operation will comply with
all applicable regulations, a permit will be issued. The permit must be obtained
BEFORE beginning any renovation activities.

If greater than 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, or 35 cubic feet of friable asbestos
material is being removed, stripped, or disturbed, the operation is subject to these
regulations. If a facility has several small-scale, unexpected or emergency renovation
operations, the amount of RACM (regulated asbestos containing material) removed
is combined for each calendar year. Once the 160/260/35 totals are achieved for
the calendar year, any further renovation operations in that year are subject to
these regulations. The 160/260/35 determination is based on the total amount of
asbestos involved in the project. If there are multiple structures being renovated
or demolished as one project or at one facility, then all of the asbestos in all
of the structures must be totaled.

The owner of the structure, contractors, and sub-contractors involved in any demolition
/ renovation operation are subject to these regulations regardless of their involvement
in the operation. If you are contracted to demolish a structure or remove asbestos
and are told that all notifications and permits have been taken care of, call this
department for verification. This information does not relate in any way to other
regulations governing asbestos activities such as OSHA, AHERA (Asbestos Hazardous
Emergency Response Act), or permits issued by the City of Winston-Salem Inspections
Division. Giving notice or obtaining permits from the State of N.C. does not meet
the requirements of these regulations which are enforced solely by the Forsyth County
Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection within Forsyth County and all
incorporated areas. The regulations covering asbestos are very stringent and often
mis-interpreted. If you have any questions concerning asbestos or the asbestos NESHAP
regulations, contact Roy Gremmell, the Department's Asbestos Coordinator, by telephone
(336) 703-2440, by FAX (336) 727-2777, or
by email.